Monday, April 30, 2012

Day 28 - Ambala

Day 28

Ambala is essentially a twin city consisting of Ambala cantonment and Ambala city. It has a large Indian army and Indian Air Force presence.Ambala is known as a city of scientific instruments.It is famous for its food, wholesale and cloth market.

How to reach here:

By Air: The closest Airport is the Chandigarh airport which is well connected to other major cities of India.

By Rail: Ambala cantonment junction is one of the famous and biggest junctions in North India.It is well connected to the major parts of India.

Best time to visit: October to March

Languages spoken: Hindi , Punjabi and English.

Must eat: Kadhi Chawal, Chole Bhature, Gol guppas, Khasta Kachori.

Famous Restaurants: Chaupal, Hot millions, Puran Singh ka Dhaba

Places you must visit:


Lakhnaur Sahib Gurudwara is a major pilgrim center associated with Sikh guru, Guru Govind Singh. It is considered sacred as the guru learned to handle weapons along with the art of Khido-Khundi,gatka baaji- teer - andazi, neja bhaje and Dhal talwar at this place.



Gurudwara Manji Sahib was constructed at the place visited place by the sixth Guru, of Guru Hargobind Singh on his way to meet Mughal emperor, Jahangir. Gurudwara Manji Sahib also features a pond and a baoli (well), which is believed to have been constructed during the stay of Guru Hargobind Singh.As per the legend of the shrine, the villagers of Majri complained of the water scarcity. Addressing their issue of perennial water shortage, Guru advised natives to dig a baoli. Owing to this, the famous pilgrim centre is also known as Baoli Sahib.The site was turned to Gurudwara in 1764, when Dal Khalsa distributed territory of Ambala to Sardar Mehar Singh of Nishananwali Misl. Gurudwara was further rebuilt by Maharaja Hira Singh of Nabha during 1871-1911.



Air Force Base  in Ambala, an inherited British airbase, is one of the oldest and largest airbases of Indian Air Force. The airbase played a vital role in 1947-48 Kashmir Operations, when Spitfires and Harvards were operated from the base.The Flying Instruction School (FIS) was established at the base in 1948, but was re situated to Tambaram in Chennai in 1954 due to Pakistan warfare. War memorial was dedicated to aircrew who that lost their lives in war and flying missions from the airfield, known as 'Jatt Di Pasand' is a major highlight of the base.




Anandpur Sahib is one of the five most important pilgrimages for Sikhs. Abode of joy, tThe pilgrim centre is situated along with Naina Devi hills in it’s backdrop. The worship place It is believed to be the place of baptism of Sikh community known as Khalsa - the pure ones.Guru Tegh Bahadur raised a new habitation in 1665 at Makhowal. The shrine celebrates Hola Mohalla with great pomp and show for saluting the martial spirit of Sikh community.
File:Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib.JPG


Rani Ka Talab is one of the historic testimonies, of the town built by Raja Ranjit Singh of Chhachhrauli. The 400 year old pond is positioned within Ambala Cantonment. and is currently under the authority of Indian Army. Along with the pond, there is an ancient Shiv Mandir and Devi Mandir, managed by the Indian Army.




Planetarium at Ambala is among country's first planetariums, established in the 1950s.  The planetarium was designed by Pandit Jagannath Sharma who was, a spearhead in the scientific instruments manufacturing industry.  The planetarium  features gear system of steel, gun metal and aluminium alloy for keeping a check on the movement of the globe.Apart from this, Pandit Jagannath Sharma also built a telescope for seeing moon craters, polar cap of Mars and the moons of Jupiter.




Jain Mandir  is one of the most revered worship centers in the region and, which is believed to house 2,500 years old idols. Situated at Ambala Sadar, the shrine houses four idols of Jain deities in the temple. According to the folklore, the Jain Temple was established 150 years ago.Chanda Prabhu is the biggest sculpture housed in the temple. Among other sculptures are Parshavnath, Arihant and Shantinath. The sculpture of Shantinath is carved on a  marble. Some other idols were also excavated from a site at Pinjore.




Holy Redeemer Church was built under the British rule, when troops of East India Company were transferred from Karnal to Ambala. Constructed in 1848, the catholic church also features two rooms initially made for the troops, which are used as a dispensary and a reading room at present. The church was visited by Lord Ripon, the only Catholic Viceroy of India, during his visit to Shimla.The church collapsed and a new church was constructed at the same place in 1905. There is a memorial stone, marking the site of the high altar of the old Church to the north of the present church. The new church has a huge tower, sturdy pillars and elevated Gothic roof.




Ambika Devi Mandir is not only the oldest shrines but also an origin of the place. Dedicated to Goddess Amba, Ambika and Ambalika, the ancient Hindu shrine was constructed before the British Raj. One of the highlights of the temple is the paintings on the upper walls and ceilings., which have faded over the years.


Kharga Golf Club  is among the oldest golf courses of the country, established in 1891 at Ambala Cantonment. The golf club was laid by the Britishers and was used by the British Officers for golf.The management of the club was handed over to the Army in 1972. Thereafter, the club was expanded and was renamed as Golden Golf Club. In 1980's, the headquarters of Kharga Corps were transferred to Ambala Cantonment and renamed to Kharga Golf Club.



Thursday, April 26, 2012

Day 27 - Kurukshetra

Day 27

Kurukshetra is a holy town in the state of Haryana.Kurukshetra means the field of righteousness, a name well suited for its legendary past and religious predominance.The legendary tales of this place starts with Kuru, who laid this foundation. Ironically this land had witnessed a great battle between the successors of Kuru, in which Lord Krishna had played an important role. As a cradle of Indian civilization, this place found its rendering in many of the ancient texts and most of the books of that time contain either the description of Kurukshetra or names of personalities from there. A good number of Vedic transcripts were composed from here and Kurukshetra was the seat of all the social, spiritual and political traditions of the old era. Archaeological expeditions have proved that  this city was in existence during the pre-Harrapan times.


How to reach here:

By Air: Delhi and Chandigarh Airports are the nearest airports.

By Rail: Kurukshetra is a major railway junction connected to all the important railway stations in the country.

Best time to visit: September to March

Languages spoken: Hindi

Must eat: Rabri, Bajre Ki Khichadi and Lassi

Famous Restaurants: Moti Mahal, Sagar Ratna, Kathi King, Guru Krupa, Krishna.

Places you must visit:


Jyotisar is the birthplace of Gita, is the most venerated place in Kurukshetra.It is believed that the Mahabharata battle started from Jyotisar and this is the place where Arjuna received the eternal message of Gita from Lord Krishna.It is said that Adi Shankaracharya has identified the place in the 9th centenary of Christian era. In 1850 AD. King of Kashmir constructed a Shiva temple at this place. In 1924, King of Darbhanga set a stone around a banyan tree , in evidence of Gita. In 1967 Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kama Koti Peeth , installed the chariot showing Gita Updesh on the platform facing east.



Brahma Sarovar as the name suggests, is associated with Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. Scriptures say that Prajapati (Brahma) had performed his first yagna at this place.According to the locals, a tower was erected by Yudhisthira (elsest of the Pandavas) in the island situated in the middle of sarovar as a token of his victory in the  Mahabharata battle. There is a shrine of Lord Shiva located at the norther bank of the sarovar and is called Sarveshvar Mahadev. This Shivlinga was instilled here by Lord Brahma himself. It is believed that the holy dip in this sarovar during Solar eclipse will absolve all the sins.



Sannihit sarovar is believed to be the permanent abode of Lord Vishnu.It is believed that during the eclipse or new moon day, all the sacred water or the tirthas assemble here. It is believed that bathing in this during the new moon or the eclipse would fetch the fortune of a Ashwamedha yagna.




Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple is an abode of Lord Shiva. Staneshwar was  the glorius capital of Harsha Vardhana and hence the structural design of the temple presents some regional influence. This shrine holds and ancient Shiv Linga , which holds the credentials of the  first idol of Lord Shiva in phallic form.It was here that the Pandavas prayed to Lord Shiva and recieved his blessings for the victory in the battle of Mahabharata.



Bhadrakali Temple houses various incarnations  of Goddess Kali and it is considered as one among the Shakti peeths where the lower limb of Goddess Sati fell. shakti peeths are those holy places where all the wishes are believed to be fulfilled.The devotees offer Terracotta horses as a mark of respect to the deity.



Birla Mandir was constructed in the year 1952 by the late Jugal Birla. the entire mandir is constructed in white marble.Within the premises of the temple, there is a dazzling Chariot of marble of a large size placed in the garden.a Gaj Ghanta made up of white marble is also placed in the garden area.There is a very interesting fairy tale related to this mandir. On the field , where the historical Mahabharat took place, on that place, the Titu bird kept her eggs and she was very worried regarding the security of her children. that time she heard the elephant's movement. She got really scared and started praying god to save her children. while walking, the bell of an elephant fell on the nest and it secured the nest from the Mahabharat war , which held for eighteen days.




Krishna Museum was established in the year 1987. This museum depicts the multi faceted personality of Lord Krishna through various artifcts from 1st century AD to 11th century AD. There is a beautiful statue of Lord Ganesh in the dancing pose.The exhibits in the galleries encompass exquisite woodcarvings, wooden panels, bronze casting, ivory works, palm- leaf etchings, stone sculptures, archaeological artifacts and miniature paintings. Tableaux made from Papier-mache and clay based on Bhagavata and Mahabharata needs special rendering.



Sheikh Chehli's Tomb is a beautiful monument of medieval times. It contains the mortal remains of the great Sufi saint Abdul-Karim popularly known as Sheikh Cheili, who was also the spiritual teacher of the scholar prince Dara, the son of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Built of buff sandstone, the tomb is crowned by a pear shaped dome of marble on a high circular drum.Another tomb of sand stone with a dome of marble decorated with floral designs is situated on the western wall of the enclosure. It is said to be Sheikh Chehli's wife. The beautiful monument resembles the Taj Mahal.



 Jindal Park and Musical Fountain  has been developed in the fond memory of(7th August 1930 – 31st March 2005) Power Minister, Haryana (2005) renowned industrialist, philanthropist, savior of farmers and the weaker sections of society.The park has a Musical Fountain – the biggest of its kind in Northern India. The main focus in the park is the memorable garden, where a beautiful torso bust (4ft ht.).



Chatti Patshahi Gurudwara  is dedicated to Guru Har Gobind Singh.The Guru's princely appearance and armed retinue attracted many pilgrims who were puzzled to know that this warlord-appearing person was the spiritual successor of the saintly Baba Nanak. But their doubts were dispelled when they listened to the Guru's discourse on the relation between bhakti and shakti (prayer and power).Guru ka Langar, sarovar and availability of accommodation for pilgrims is available only at this place. The main building, a high-ceilinged congregation hall on a 6 feet high plinth, with a fluted lotus dome above the sanctum where Guru Granth Sahib is seated on a canopied marble seat, is lined all around, with white and streaked marble slabs.




The Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium is equipped with latest Opto-mechanical and digital Projectors, 5.1 surround sound for projection of full dome planetarium programs. The planetarium system is housed in 12 meter dome having unidirectional seating arrangement of 120 persons.The gallery of the planetarium has interactive exhibits on astronomy. The permanent gallery demonstrates A walk through Time, Day and Night, Your weight on different planets, Seasons on Earth, World Time, Our Address in Universe, Our Solar System, Beyond Solar System, Astro Quiz, Zodiac Quiz etc. to the visitors. A special part of gallery throws light on the life of Dr. Kalpana Chawla. An outdoor exposition comprising of Samrat Yantra, Sundial, World Time, Turn Faster, Celestial Umbrella, Why we see one face of Moon? Optical tree, Eclipses, Totems Of Time, Gravity well, Planetrack and several other exhibits are displayed amid lush green ambience.



Bhor Crocodile Park is a tank in village Bhaur Saidan situated on Pehowa-Kurukshetra road, 22 kilometre from Kurukshetra where good number of crocodiles lived in. The area of this farm was 15 acre, 6 canal and 2 marla.  The present population is 25. A high mound inside the tank has been erected for watching the reptiles from close range.



Mini Zoo Pipli is located on Grand Trunk road leading from Chandigarh to New Delhi in the vicinity of Kurukshetra town. This zoo was established during 1982 and is spread over an area of 27 acres.



The Markandeshwar Mahadev temple is located in the town of Shahbad Markanda, which is situated in the Kurukshetra district. The name Markandeshwar is associated with Maharishi Markandeya, a great devotee of Lord Shiva.The walls of the Markandeshwar Mahadev temple carry a scene depicting Lord Shiva saving Rishi Markandeya from Yamraj, the Hindu God of death.The Markandeshwar Mahadev temple is supposed to be the place where the young Markandeya was praying to Shiva in order to win over his destiny. This is where Shiva fought with Yama and blessed Maharishi Markandeya with the boon of immortality. The original temple dated back to pre-Mahabharat times and was founded in the third millennium B.C. The current structure is more recent and dates back to the early 20th century.




Arunai Mandir is one of the important place of pilgrimages associated with the saints Vashishta and Vishwamittra. The place is also significant for being the meeting points of the rivers Saraswati and Aruna. Mahabharata and Vamana Puran vividly describe about the significance of this tirath. However, presently the tirath is not known for the story narrated in the epic and the purana. Rather it is famous for being a Shivaite centre called Sangameshwar Mahadev temple. Here lies a temple dedicated to Shiva or Sangmaeshwar Mahadev adjoining to a small tank. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees throng to the temple regularly.


















Friday, April 20, 2012

Day 26 - Faridabad

Day 26

Faridabad is the southeastern town in the state of Haryana and was founded in 1607 AD by Sheikh Farid , the treasurer of Emperor Jahangir and a Sufi saint to protect the highway passing through the town. Faridabad alone generates 60% of the revenue of Haryana because of its large production of shoes, tires, vehicles and other useful products.


How to reach here:

By Air: The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.

By Rail: Old Faridabad Railway Station is the nearest station and which is weel connected to the major cities of India.


Best time to Visit: October to March


Languages spoken: Hindi, Punjabi and English.


Must eat: Makai Khumb masala, Dal Makhani, Paneer Lababdar, Chicken Handi Biryani.



Famous Restaurants: Little Paradise, Dazzle, Seven Days, Le Chef Restrobar, Pnjabi Haandi, Silk.


Places you must visit:


Badkhal Jheel (Lake) is a a beautiful man made lake situated in Badkal village near to Faridabad. The lake derived its name from the Persian word bedakhal , which means free from interference.This lake is surrounded by plenty of flowering plants, landscaped gardens and green lawns. It is surrounded by Aravalli hills and provides amazing water sports facilities.




Baba Farid's Tomb is a popular pilgrimage for local people. It is believed that Faridabad was named after this eminent Sufi saint, who is said to be the founder of this city.



Surajkund literally means 'Lake of the Sun'. It is said that this place derived its name from a famous Sun temple, which is said to have stood here once. Some say that it was named after Rajput King Surajpal of Tomar dynasty. This complex consists of beautifully done-up Rajhans, a garden and a pool of fresh water- Siddha Kund which is believed to have healing properties.the remains of the Sun temple can be still seen around the lake. This lake is a beautiful man mad reservoir surrounded by rock cut steps specially built for the purpose of boating.



Aravalli Golf Course, a lush green golf course sprawling over 45 acres of land, was designed by Stephen Kay a  renowned golf course architect from USA. The course has a club house which has the facilities of restaurant, bar, luxury rooms and conference hall. It also has a provision of Billiards and card rooms. Cottages are available for rent also. Annual golf tournaments for amateurs and professionals are held here.



Shirdi Sai Baba temple of Faridabad is also called Sai Dham. The temple complex sprawl over the land area of 3Kms.The complex has a spacious hall, a mezzanine floors and immaculately laid floors of white, green and yellow marble. A 5.25 feet white marble edifice of Sai Baba is installed here. There are also idols of Dhuni and Dwarka Mayee are situated here.




Shiva Temple of Faridabad is a marvel to watch. Lord Shiva is a presiding deity here with his wife Goddess Parvati.



Town Park is a leisure spot in Faridabad. The main attraction of this park is its verdant green lawns with a variety of natural trees and plants.





Raja Nahar Singh Palace also known as Ballbhgarh Fort- Palace was built by Rao Balram, the predecessor of Raja Nahar Singh during his supremacy in the year 1739 AD.The palace was named after brave warrior Raja Nahar Singh who gave up his life in the war of Independence in 1857. the palace is decorated with intricate cupolas and minars on its four corner. the palace which was in ruins , has renewed to a wonderful specimen of architectural design and converted into heritage motel-cum-restaurant.





Thursday, April 19, 2012

Day 25 -Chandigarh

Day 25

Chandigarh is a beautiful city which is the administrative capital of both Haryana and Punjab, but the city itself is not part of either state, being a union territory. it is located at the foothills of mighty shivalik range. It is famed as a well planned city with elegant structures and lovely gardens.It is a vibrant city, which derived its name from goddess Chandi.

How to reach here:

By Air: Chandigarh domestic airport is the nearest airport and it is well connected with the other major cities of India.
By Rail: Chandigarh railway station is connected to major cities in India.


Best time to visit: August to April

Languages spoken: Hindi, Punjabi and English

Must eat: Makke di roti, Sarson ka saag , Dal Makhani, Kadhi, Punjabi Chole, Stuffed vegetable paratha, Butter chicken, Laccha paratha.

Famous Restaurants: Chop Sticks, Hot Millions, Khyber, Mehfil, Yangste, Sundarrams.


Places you must visit:


Rock Garden is an epitome of creativity and imagination. It is a unique garden that consists of various art objects made by using industrial and urban waste. It was designed by Nek chand, a humble transport official. It displays various sculptures made from broken glass bangles, china ware, discarded fluorescent tubes, clay and coal. A must see travel spot.




Sukhna Lake is a beautiful man made lake at the foothills of Shivalik ranges. It is a 3 km long lake built in 1958. It was done by damming the Sukhana Choe , a seasonal stream flowing down the Shivalik  hills. This lake has Asia's longest water channel for rowing and yachting
.


Rose Garden is known to be the largest rose garden in Asia and is spread across a vast area of 30 acres and has about 1600 species of roses.They have been planted in a beautifully carved out  lawns
and flower beds.This garden is also a hub of rare plant species, which has got enormous medicinal values.A perfect symphony of colors and the rich fragrance of the lovely flowers is the eye catching spectacle. Every year a big rose festival is celebrated at this garden.




The Capitol complex houses the three main organs of administration, namely the Legislative Assembly, the Secretariat and the High court. It is the headquarters of both Punjab and Haryana government. The architectural grandeur of the planned city of Chandigarh reflects in the Capitol complex in its zenith.The acclaim for this breathtaking structure of the Capitol Complex is accredited to Le Corbusier.

The Legislative Assembly


The Secretariat


The High Court



The Open Hand Monument is the most significant monument planned by the Le Corbusier. Rising 85 feet high from the sunken trench, a giant hand in metal sheets is designed to rotate 'like a weather cock, not to show the incertitude ideas, but to indicate symbolically the direction of the wind'. it is also meant to convey a message of peace 'open to receive'.



Pinjore Gardens also called as Yadavindra gardens is a spectacular garden spread over 100 acres of vast land. it has got a great mythological value also. it is said that Pandavas had come here during their period of exile. This garden offers a delightful time with its mini zoo, Japanese garden, nursery and many gorgeous lawns. this garden appears more imposing during night times when colorful lights and fountains get illuminated. Another impressive feature of this lovely location is its descending terrace that provides a miraculous effect.



Terraced Garden is a well planned orchard of blossoming plants houses the annual Chrysanthemums show which is a significant for the public and nature lovers. A myriad of flowering plants makes a colorful vista in the garden. the serene and soothing environment of this garden offers a relaxing feeling , which tempt people to spend their evenings in this pleasant ambiance.



Bougainvillea garden was established in 1976 which has 50 different varieties of Bougainvillea plants.It is shaped into different forms live arches, pavilion, cluster of bowers and arcades.A festival is conducted in this park every year. the park also has fitness track, which provides a good walk and morning exercise field midst  the colorful brigade.



Museum and Art Gallery is a prominent place which has outstanding collection of miniature painting, Gandhara period stone sculptures, coins and decorative arts. These art galleries are divided into contemporary art gallery, Decorative arts and coins and Gandhara and Hindu sculptures and miniature paintings. Pre-historic fossils and other artifacts put on display are really worthy and worth visiting.



Leisure Valley is like an amalgamation of so many gardens intertwined together to form a beautiful garland. Leisure valley's magnificence is reflected in the entire city, since it is spread across the length and breath of the whole town. Chandigarh carnival is a 3 day long extravaganza scheduled in the month     of February and is conducted at this Leisure valley.



International Dolls Museum has a wide collection of fascinating dolls and marionettes . It was started in the year 1985 and its m,ain objective was to give some sort of amusements to the children. The dolls are dressed with attires worn by the people in different states.




Mohali Cricket Stadium is a lush green cricket stadium and people throng here in masses durings the cricket matches which are hosted here on a regular basis.
File:LightsMohali.png





Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Haryana here we come......

Set in the foothills of Aravalli, this small yet enchanting state of Haryana is located in the North of India. Haryana is hailed as a tourist delight because of its healthy and pleasant climate and array of tourist attractions like rugged hills, dense forests, century old monuments, soul stirring temples, lush green gardens, romantic lakes and picturesque landscape.


Capital city: Chandigarh


Major cities: Chandigarh, Faridabad, Ambala, Panipat, Hissar, Kurukshetra and Gurgaon.


Location of Haryana in India:



Map of Haryana:



All aboard.......






Monday, April 16, 2012

Theek cha . Mein Jaanchou aab (OK, I shall leave now)

Even though I don't feel like getting away from this serene environment of Uttarakhand, I will have to move along. I am sure there is so much to see in India that all our journey will be worth while in future too.

Good Bye ....... Uttarakhand

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Day 24 - Nainital

Day 24


Nainital , the lake district of India, located in the Himalayan belt amongst the Kumaon Hills is a splendid tourist spot in the northern state of Uttarakhand. Nainital is referred to as the lake of three sages or the Tri Rishi Sarovar as mentioned in the Skand Purana. It is said that the three sages Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha stopped over here at Nainital on their pilgrimage to quench their thirst. Finding no water, they dug a hole here and tranderred some water here from the sacred lake Mansarovar.Another legend says that the left eye or Nain of Lord Shiva's wife Sati fell in this center and formed an emerald eye shaped lake , and thus emerged the city of Nainital.Nainital is best known by the famous landslide of 1880 which leveled out the entire city.


How to reach here:

By Air: Pant Nagar Airport  is the nearest airport which is just 71 Kms away.

By Rail: Kathgodam railway station is the nearest station which is 35 Kms away from Nainital.


Best time to visit: March to June


Languages spoken: Hindi, Kumaoni and English


Must eat: Pua, Spinach Kappa, Shyali and  Khatai


Famous Restaurants: Sakley's, Udupiwala, Embassy, Shiva and Manchan


Places you must visit:


Naina Devi Temple was originally constructed in the 15th century during the Kushan reign. the central presiding deity being Mata Naina Devi is represented by two almond shaped eyes flanked with Mata Kali and Lord Ganesha on either side. this temple is also known as one of the 51 Shaktipeeths.It is believed that Lord shiva's wife Sati's eye fell of at this very site where the temple is being built.



Naini Lake is a natural make of mother earth set midst of seven mountains that surround this water pool. This lake is surrounded by green hills , the beauty of which is breathtaking and should be captured as a photographic memory forever.






Naina Peak or China peak is located at an altitude of 2611 meters and is the highest peak of the town.  This peak opens up to a beautiful panoramic view of the snow laden Himalayas in the west to the Api and Nari peaks in the east. the excellent view to the entire Nainital city can be obtained from this peak.



Bhimtal Lake is a beautiful lake which has an island at the center of the lake. It is a perennial lake which not only supports the large number of aquatic life  but is a winter stopover for Trans Himalayan birds.




Nainital Zoo or Govind Vallabh Pant zoo is situated at an altitude of 2100 meters and spread over a vast area. It is home to a variety of animals namely Black Himalayan Bear, monkeys, Siberian tiger, Palm Civet cat, Rose ringed Parakeet, Silver Pheasands, Hill Fox and barking Deer.



Astronomical Observatory was established in the year 1955. It was established with a view of conducting astrophysical research in stellar, solar and theoretical streams.With prior permission, visitors can get access to the observatory and experience the pleasure of viewing celestial objects through the telescope.




Governor's House or Raj Bhavan was built in 1899 and designed by F. W stevens in the traditional Victorian Gothic style architecture. It was the summer residence of the Governor of the Northwest Province and now converted into the official guest house of the Governor of Uttarakhand and its employees. It is a tall two storied building having 113 rooms and bear resemblance to the Buckingham Palace.



Land's end gives a panoramic view of the neighboring hills and green valleys surrounding Nainital. The main attraction of this place is the splendid view of the Khurpatal lake.True to it's name, the Land's end is a spot that marks the dead end.



Tiffin Top also known as Dorothy's seat  is a terrace hill top atop of the Ayarpatta hill, which is at an height of 7250 ft above sea level. Dorothy's seat is a stonework bench built in memory of dorothy Kellet , an English artist. This spot was built in memory of her by her husband and well wishers after he died in a plane crash.




Eco Cave Gardens is a memorable spot to introduce your child to an Eco friendly life. Children can make this an informative trip learning all about Eco-sphere and taking a peek into an adventurous life. this garden has six caves and a musical fountain.



Aurobindo Ashram is nestled cozily midst the green hills of the Kumaon valley.One can learn the art of perseverance and get a deep sense of satisfaction and peace post yoga and meditation activities in the ashram.




Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest National park in India. The park is named after the hunter and conservationist Jinm Corbett who played a key role to establish it in 1921 as Haily national Park. It is the protected area for the endangered Bengal Tiger of India. this national park is a heaven for adventure seekers and wildlife lovers. A total of 488 types of plant species have been recorded in the park. Over 585 species of resident and migratory birds have been categorized in this park.